Saving point knee bother for Purdham

THE knee of Dannika Purdham salvaged a point for South Shields as they drew 1-1 at home with Tynedale.

It was the visitors who enjoyed the first-half possession but did not test the goalkeeper.

Tynedale, however, did convert one of their chances to go in at the break a goal up when Megan Watson used her strength to hold off her marker before turning and slotting home.

Shields came out much stronger in the second half, wingers Purdham and Sophie Halliday a constant threat to Tynedale’s defence.

Tynedale goalkeeper Rebecca Jones made two fantastic saves while a counter-attack saw Watson have their best effort in the second half, shooting straight at the goalkeeper.

An unmarked Tori Sheriff spurned a great chance to level after 70 minutes, hitting the sidenetting from two yards out after a corner somehow found her at the back post.

Numerous attempts were blocked as Tynedale defended resolutely - but ten minutes from time the hosts finally drew level.

A cross from Elizabeth Fraser caused trouble in the box.

The Dale defence was unable to clear the ball which finally bounced up in front of Purdham, whose reflex shot struck her on the knee - lofting the ball over the goalkeeper from five yards out.

Tynedale stay second, two points adrift of Harrogate Town with a game in hand - South Shields five points off the leaders with two matches in hand.

Title favourites Durham Cestria won 7-2 at home against leaders Harrogate Town.

For the second week running, a strong second-half performance sealed the game after Alisha Miller’s 23rd-minute strike had given the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Thirty seconds after the restart, Grace Adams equalised but Lauren Robson restored the advantage.

Grace Foyer headed home a free-kick to level at 2-2.

Jess Holder put the Cestrians ahead again after 65 minutes.

Jessica Clark, Caroline Dixon and Robson (2) then struck before the end, keeping the Cestrians’ 100% record intact but Harrogate still top the table.